Path-Q Solar

What information should I gather before asking an installer to model solar without exporting electricity?

Answer

Gather interval electricity use if available, major loads and operating times, service and panel information, the desired export limit, and any utility or control requirements already known. The installer then needs to model generation, onsite consumption, curtailment, controls, and the cost of preventing export.

Key points

  • Document when electricity is consumed and which loads can be shifted to solar hours.
  • Clarify whether zero export is required at all times or whether a defined limit is acceptable.
  • Ask how export control is measured, maintained, tested, and handled during equipment failure.
  • Compare the lost generation and added equipment cost with the value of avoiding exports.

What it depends on

  • Hourly load profile
  • Proposed system size and generation pattern
  • Service, metering, and control configuration
  • Applicable utility interconnection and export-control requirements

Risks and trade-offs

  • Poor load data can lead to excessive curtailment or an oversized system.
  • Export-control equipment adds cost, monitoring, and failure modes.
  • A no-export design may produce less total energy and may require ongoing verification.

Information you may need

  • Recent bills and interval data
  • Major appliance, HVAC, EV, pool, and business-load schedules
  • Electrical service and meter information
  • The intended export limit and any utility correspondence

Your next step

What to do next

Provide the installer with interval data and request a written zero-export model showing controls, assumptions, curtailment, reliability, and total cost.

Path-Q

Find the right next step

Answer a few questions and we’ll narrow your options.

Loading…

Some details may depend on your location, installer, utility, incentives, regulations, or specific property.

SQ02573